Question

1. Based on the observed performance of the air bag models and the amounts of sodium bicarbonate and acetic acid (vinegar) needed for an automotive air bag of 80 or 160 L, are these reactants a good substitute for sodium azide? One additional note regarding sodium azide: the rate of inflation after a triggering impact is 40 milliseconds (0.04 s).

Answer 1

Sodium bicarbonate and acetic acid are not good substitute for sodium azide in airbags since the require more mass and produce less gas.

Which is the better chemical for an airbag?

The chemical equation for the production of nitrogen gas from sodium azide is given below:

• NaN₃ → 2 Na + 3 N₂

1 mole or 66 go of sodium azide produces 3 moles or 67.2 L of nitrogen gas.

The equation for the production of carbon dioxide from sodium bicarbonate and acetic acid is given below:

• Na₂CO₃ + CH₃COOH → CH₃COONa + CO₂ + H₂O

1 mole, 106 g of Na₂CO₃ and 1 mole, 82 g of CH₃COOH are required to produce 1 mole or 22.4 L of CO₂.

The mass of sodium azide required is less than that of sodium bicarbonate and acetic acid required. Also, sodium azide produces a greater volume of gas. Therefore, sodium bicarbonate and acetic acid are not good substitute for sodium azide in airbags.

In conclusion, sodium azide is a better choice in airbags.

Learn more about airbags at: brainly.com/question/14954949

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